







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Okay, who sings it? | |
| It's individually, the small ones are 30p, big ones 50p. | |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | |
| Let me check, we only need butter. | |
| I have an appointment with the home office for my visa extension. | |
| Don't worry, I don't like having a very heavy breakfast. | |
| Thank you, see you there on Saturday at 13:00. | |
| Certainly honey, do you want a glass or a bottle? | |
| Did I? I don't know... What is it? | |
| I'm really amazed by the structure of this station. | |
| I haven't seen her, either, and I don't really want to... | |
| My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | |
| How is your cat? | |
| Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |
| I want to be sober and energetic for tomorrow. | |
| I think so, at least there is no aggression. | |
| Oh, come on dear, I was just joking, you know that... | |
| I didn't say it's your fault, but it's your turn now... | |
| Nope, as I said before, they live in Australia. | |
| How old are you? | |